Yeah, the documentation chase is real—especially for H1B folks. I’ve found it helps to keep a digital folder with everything: I-94, pay stubs, HR letters, visa copies, the works. Lenders always seem to want “one more thing.” Sometimes I think they just want to see if you’ll crack.
Lenders always seem to want “one more thing.” Sometimes I think they just want to see if you’ll crack.
That’s honestly how it feels. I started a spreadsheet just to keep track of what I’d already sent, because I kept getting requests for the same docs. Did you ever have to get a letter from your employer confirming your visa status? That one tripped me up—I didn’t even know it was a thing until the lender asked.
Title: How H1B Visa Holders Can Qualify for a Mortgage
The document requests can honestly feel endless, especially with H1B. Here’s what I see a lot:
- Lenders want to “tick every box” on their compliance checklist. That means they’ll keep asking until they have exactly what the underwriter wants—even if it feels redundant.
- Employer letters confirming visa status are pretty standard now, but most folks don’t know until they’re asked. It’s not you, it’s the process.
- The double-requests? Usually just poor communication between departments, or one person not seeing what you already sent. Frustrating, but not personal.
You’re definitely not alone in tracking everything in a spreadsheet—honestly, that’s smart. It helps avoid sending the same thing twice and saves your sanity.
I know it feels like a test sometimes, but really it's just risk management (and maybe a little CYA on their end). Hang in there—the paper chase is the worst part, but once you’re past it, things usually move quicker.
Totally agree about the spreadsheet—keeps the chaos under control. I’d add that some lenders will also want to see consistent credit history over a couple years, which can catch people off guard if you’ve moved around a lot or just started building credit here.
“The double-requests? Usually just poor communication between departments, or one person not seeing what you already sent. Frustrating, but not personal.”
That’s spot on, though honestly, sometimes I wonder if it’s also a way to test your organization skills? Either way, I’ve found keeping scanned copies of everything in a cloud folder helps too. Anyone get tripped up by requests for old pay stubs or random bank statements from months ago? That’s the one that gets me every time...
“Anyone get tripped up by requests for old pay stubs or random bank statements from months ago? That’s the one that gets me every time...”
That’s a familiar headache. I’ve had lenders ask for documents from over a year back, and it always seems to happen right when you think you’ve sent everything they could possibly need. In my experience, it’s less about testing your organization and more about their own audit trails—sometimes they’re just covering themselves if an underwriter flags something minor.
One thing I’d add: if you’ve switched jobs or had a gap in employment (which isn’t uncommon for H1B holders), be prepared to explain it in writing. I once had to draft a letter clarifying a two-month gap, even though I’d already provided all the W2s and offer letters. It felt redundant, but apparently, it was required for their file.
Cloud folders are a lifesaver, but I also keep a running checklist of what’s been sent and when. It’s not foolproof, but at least you have some ammo when they circle back asking for the same thing twice...
